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Diandra, on Kinship. Sling Diaries, Vol. VII

November 13, 2017

The Sling Diaries, Volume VII. A photo-documentary chronicling the art of baby wearing in the lives of families around the world. Over the course of six months, Sling Diarists will create their own Sling Diary though a series of diary entries interpreting a unique theme given to them each month.

ON KINSHIP.

I’m an only child. That’s been something that has greatly defined me, both as a child and now as an adult. But growing up, I longed for a brother or sister, a built in best friend, a lifelong companion, a sharer of secrets and of clothes; someone to whine to about how unfair Mom and Dad were (They weren’t. I have the best parents. But you know 13 year olds.) I dreamed of hiding under the sheets and giggling late into the night, and knowing that no matter where we moved, or what school I went to, someone had my back. I had my fair share of imaginary friends... dolls... pets... and wonderful real-life friends. But no sister... and no brother.

When Julisabel was born, I immediately (as in, sitting in the hospital holding my hours old baby and recovering) began thinking about siblings for her. I knew in my heart that she was not meant to be an only child.

Watching Julisabel and Noah together has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Seeing her love him, and eventually, seeing him love her back is incredible. They have such a special kinship that is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Adding Jesse into the mix has been pure magic. There are fights and arguments and tears and frustrations, but at the end of the day, they are forever bound together.

My sweet babies are still just that; babies. Their biggest arguments are over toys or who gets to sit on my lap. I am not naive to the fact that as they grow, they will have conflict. There may be things that will drive them apart. But one of my biggest goals, as their mother, is to teach them to always come back together again.

Whenever they don’t get along, they hear the same words from me, “He is your brother. She is your sister. You will forever be each other’s best friends. Have each other’s backs and choose each other over everyone else. Stick together. Choose forgiveness. Love each other fiercely.”

In this crazy world full of walls, hate and division, I hope they will build bridges, choose love, and forever remember their kinship.